Progestogen-only pill
About the progestogen-only pill
The progestogen-only pill (‘mini pill’) only contains one type of hormone. It is taken every day, without any breaks, and is more than 99% effective if taken perfectly. However, with typical use (the way most people take it in real life), it is about 91% effective.
How the progestogen-only pill works
The progestogen-only pill thickens the mucus at the cervix, making it harder for the sperm to move through it. Some progestogen-only pills will also stop you ovulating (releasing an egg).
Advantages
- You can use it if you are not able to have a contraception containing oestrogen.
- You can use it at any age or if you smoke.
Disadvantages
- You are likely to have a change in bleeding pattern: some people have no bleeding at all, and some people have spotting or more frequent bleeding.
- It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may need to use condoms as well.
- It is dependent on you remembering to take it every day to work properly.
Where you can get the progestogen-only pill
- make an appointment online or contact us by telephone on 0300 123 5474 to come into one of our clinics.
- come along to one of our walk in and wait clinics.
More information
For more information visit NHS Choices – Progestogen-only pill